Redfern will join forces with premier league mentor Daniel Mortimer in green and gold in 2021 after a year off after suffering a broken jaw in three places in the final game of the 2019 Woodbridge Cup season while coaching Cargo.

The veteran prop was forced to miss all of 2020 well before the coronavirus pandemic hit our shores and put an end to community rugby league at all levels.

That cancelled season has meant the majority of players sat out the 2020 season and, if they're anything like Redfern, CYMS' first pre-season session at Norton Park on Monday evening will likely be met with a huge influx of players.

"I think you'll see a lot of people, there will be a real lift in numbers," Redfern said.

"I know for myself, I've had a broken jaw so would have had to have time off, but three seasons before that I broke my ankle and had a year off too. And every time I have that year off it really rejuvenates me.

"I would have liked to have had the break without the injures, but everyone has had that time off now too and everyone will hopefully be rejuvenated and that bush footy spirit will be back.

"I find the break gives me the opportunity to realise I really do want to keep playing. I hope a few people are in the same boat."

The former Heelers first grade coach said re-joining CYMS came a little out of left-field, but having agreed to coach the club's reserve grade outfit he's now keen to get the new season underway.

Redfern says he's keen to work alongside Mortimer in 2021, with the former NRL half having joined the club last year before making an immediate impact on the club.

CYMS went on to win the Bathurst Knockout in the 2020 pre-season before COVID cut short the winter, and Redfern says soaking up any and all wisdom the 2013 NRL premiership winner has to offer will be invaluable for himself as a coach.

"Dan being here is a huge reason to get involved, being able to support Dan and learn, and play my part," Redfern said.

"His training, his knowledge, he's a good fella, that's another factor. Hopefully I can help out there as well.

"We start on Monday at 6pm at Norton Park. There's a lot of banter on the whatsapp, text messages. A lot of blokes seem to be champing at the bit.

"I know I'm a bit heavy (coming out of COVID) ... we might have a few backs moving into the forwards."

CYMS' pre-season training starts on Monday at 6pm at Norton Park.